Neymar Says He Is ‘Happy’ at PSG After UCL Defeat to Real Madrid

Neymar has said he is "happy" at Paris Saint-Germain despite ongoing rumours linking him to Real Madrid and Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Los Blancos in the UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg.

Per Joe Short in the Express, "informal talks" between the Brazilian and Real have reportedly taken place.

But Neymar committed his future to PSG after Wednesday’s loss: "I have a contract [to 2022] with PSG. I am happy with my team-mates and I only think about writing my history here."

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of the French club, also rubbished the idea of the 26-year-old leaving for the Santiago Bernabeu, per beIN Sports (via FourFourTwo): "Of course, 100 per cent Neymar will be a PSG player next year."

Neymar only joined PSG from Barcelona last summer after the Ligue 1 outfit met his £200 million release clause to make him the most expensive player in history.

He has enjoyed a fine first six-and-a-half months at the Parc des Princes, netting 18 Ligue 1 goals in as many appearances and providing 11 assists as PSG have opened up a 12-point gap at the head of the French top flight.

The Brazil international also scored six times in six Champions League group-stage matches as PSG eased through to the first knockout round.

However, he could do nothing to prevent PSG suffering a damaging loss in their last-16 tie at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, and he received widespread criticism for his flamboyance, per ESPN UK:

Cristiano Ronaldo netted a double and Marcelo scored late as Real came from behind after Adrien Rabiot’s first-half goal. The result put the Spaniards firmly in the driving seat to reach the quarter-finals.

Only a remarkable turnaround in the second leg at the Parc des Princes would prevent PSG enduring yet another disappointing campaign in the Champions League and exiting for the second consecutive season at the last-16 stage.

In 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, the French club exited Europe’s premier club competition in the quarter-finals, and they now look to be going backwards rather than establishing themselves as genuine contenders for the trophy.

As noted by Sky Sports’ Peter Smith, Neymar was "principally recruited to fire PSG to Champions League glory," but it is looking increasingly unlikely to happen this season.

The PSG hierarchy will be happy to hear Neymar commit himself to the club, but Champions League failure, even if tempered by Ligue 1 glory, is unlikely to satisfy the Brazilian superstar for long.